The role of the physical education coordinator: a synthesis of literature and of perceptions in one Newfoundland social district

• Main Author: Vatcher, Lynne
• Other Authors: Memorial University of Newfoundland. Faculty of Education
• Format: Thesis
• Language: English
• Published: 1984
• Subjects: Physical education and training > Newfoundland and Labrador; School supervisors > Newfoundland and Labrador; Role expectation; Canada; Newfoundland; Newfoundland studies; University of Newfoundland
• Online Access: http://collections.mun.ca/cdm/ref/collection/theses2/id/85523

Thesis (M.Ed.)--Memorial University of Newfoundland, 1985. Education Bibliography: leaves 124-126. The purpose of this study was to define the role of the physical education coordinator. More specifically, the study attempted to answer the following questions: (1) What ought the role of the physical education coordinator to be as discussed in the literature? and (2) What do various personnel (physical education coordinator, principals, classroom teachers teaching physical education, and physical education teachers) with a school district in Newfoundland perceive the role of a physical education coordinator to be? -- Two methods of gathering data were employed. Firstly, literature related to coordinators was analyzed to help define the role of the physical education coordinator. Secondly, data were obtained from responses to two questionnaires which were administered to principals, classroom teachers teaching physical education and physical education teachers with the Terra Nova Integrated School District in Newfoundland. An interview was conducted with the physical education coordinator with the same district. The questionnaires and interview consisted of eleven categories of task areas: (1) Developing Curriculum, (2) Organizing for instruction, (3) Providing Staff, (4) Providing Materials, (5) Providing Facilities, (6) Arranging for In-service Education, (7) Orienting New Staff Members, (8) Relating Special Pupil Services, (9) Developing Public Relations, (10) Evaluating, and (11) Budgeting. The data from the questionnaires and interview were analysed for each of the eleven categories of 'tasks. These data, along with data from related literature constituted the basis for analysis and resulted in the findings reported. -- The findings from the study indicated that the principal purpose for the role of the physical education coordinator should be the coordination of effort to improve instruction. To meet this goal, the coordinator must provide leadership, create a productive instructional environment by providing staff, materials, and facilities, develop curriculum, and arrange for in-service education. The responsibilities for the physical education coordinator should vary from district to district depending on local needs but commonalities should exist throughout the province. -- Findings of this study have implications for the Department of Education and school boards in Newfoundland and Labrador. Job descriptions should be written to provide the physical education coordinator and personnel related to his/her position with the duties and responsibilities for the role of the physical education coordinator.